"Joanne Siegel is the rare leader whose impact cannot be measured solely by programs or policies, but by the generations of self-advocates, families, clinicians, and community members whose lives and futures she has elevated. Her unwavering commitment to equity, dignity, and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities has not only transformed our institution, but has set a national standard for what true advocacy and leadership look like."

Biography

With over 45 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities, Joanne Florio Siegel has dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Her lifelong passion has been supporting self-advocates and family members as they work to elevate their voices, shape their communities, and dismantle stereotypes and barriers that limit access, equity, and inclusion. Joanne’s work centers on organizing educational initiatives, policy efforts, and community partnerships that improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities through a broad social determinants framework and a strengths-based lens.

As a faculty member of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, Joanne contributes to graduate-level interdisciplinary training in IDD. Through a grant from the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD), she leads an ongoing effort to infuse “IDD through the lifespan” into the medical school curriculum at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, emphasizing an integrated approach to health care and community services. Joanne has a particular interest in supporting self-advocates and family members as co-creators and leaders in the design of high-quality, inclusive care systems. She also facilitates the Bronx Community Self-Advocacy Group, the first and longest-running self-advocacy group in New York State.